Oklahoma City Thunder
Eventually, the Oklahoma City Thunder are going to have to start building up their roster and trying to win games, right? Right now they are content with taking on bad contracts as long as draft pick compensation is included. They could conceivably kill two birds with one stone in this instance.
Most of the time when the Thunder are taking on a salary dump it is a veteran player that won’t factor into their long-term plans. They have already done it twice this offseason with Kemba Walker and Derrick Favors.
Walker was eventually bought out and Favors could meet a similar fate. But, at 26-years old, Kristaps Porzingis presents an intriguing case. If Dallas really wants to rid themselves of his contract and is willing to attach draft picks, it could be a double whammy for the Thunder.
They would not only get draft picks but possibly a player that can be part of their long-term outlook as well. Right now the only locked-in core player the Thunder have is Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. The frontcourt doesn’t have many building blocks, but Porzingis could be one.
READ MORE: Predictions for Latest NBA Trade Rumors: Simmons, Siakam, Dragic, Lillard
Playing for the Thunder, he wouldn’t face the same media scrutiny either. Porzingis could go about his business, rehab his value and be someone the Thunder can cash in again later via trade or keep as a foundational piece.
